Committee reports favorably on bill to expand Early Steps, autism services

The Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy reported CS/CS for SB 112 favorably at its meeting after adopting two amendments that, together, extend Early Steps autism services and add a fiscal estimate for the program, sponsor Senator Harrell said.

Senator Harrell, sponsor of the bill, told the committee, "This is a game changer for families with children with autism." He said the bill strengthens early intervention and educational opportunities, expands screening and referrals, designates the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a statewide hub, and creates grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs.

The bill would extend the Early Steps "extended option" beyond the current age limit under the federal waiver so a child can remain in Early Steps up until the start of the school year in which the child would be age 4, effectively extending services until the child actually enters a school-based program, Harrell said. An amendment (barcode 306090) adopted by the committee modifies the extension to run until a child enters school. A late-filed amendment (barcode 625706) addressing fiscal impact was also adopted.

Harrell told the committee the micro-credential for instructional personnel will be developed by the University of Florida and made available online at no charge. He said the bill would support specialized summer programs and grants for creation or expansion of autism-focused charter schools, particularly in underserved and rural areas, and would designate the UF center to coordinate research and best practices with existing CARD centers.

Senator Jones asked whether Florida Medicaid and Medicaid managed-care plans would be required to cover Early Steps services for children who remain under the extended option. "Children who are on Medicaid will continue to be covered under Medicaid," Harrell replied, and said he would seek clarification on how the Early Steps extension integrates with Medicaid and managed-care plans. On provider shortage and reimbursement, Harrell said increased reimbursement is not built into the bill and would be considered at the appropriations stage.

On projected fiscal impact, Harrell said the committee amendment adds fiscal estimates: an estimated $8 million to $8.5 million in 2026–27 as the program phases in, and approximately $15 million in 2027–28 when the program reaches full implementation. He said there is little immediate fiscal effect in the first year because obtaining the federal waiver will take time.

Testimony in support included Kina Corey of the Florida Goodwill Association, who said the group provides workforce training across nine territories and called the bill "a very important one for us." Margaret Hooper, recording support for the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, and representatives from Autism Speaks also recorded support.

The committee adopted the two amendments by voice vote. On the roll call that followed, the clerk recorded affirmative votes from senators present (arranged in roll-call order in the transcript): Senator Arrington; Senator Bernard; Senator Boyd; Senator Bradley; Senator Collatiued; Senator Davis; Senator Gates; Senator Angolia; Senator Jones; Senator Pasadoma; Senator Rodriguez; Senator Simon; Senator Trudeau; Senator Yarbrough; and Vice Chair Osgood. By that vote, CS/CS for SB 112 was reported favorably.

The meeting record shows questions from committee members about coverage, staffing and fiscal needs that remain to be clarified as the bill moves forward and as the state seeks any necessary federal waivers.